{
  "id": 6383269,
  "title": "After acquittal, Hilman calls for repeal of Sedition Act",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/after-acquittal-hilman-calls-for-repeal-of-sedition-act",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T03:45:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/09/after-acquittal-hilman-calls-for-repeal-of-sedition-act"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham, 37, has called for the repeal of the Sedition Act in Malaysia after his acquittal in a magistrates' court. The court found that the prosecution could not prove the elements of the charge against him, which was made on social media, causing public fear. Hilman argued that the Sedition Act is outdated and should be repealed to promote Malaysia's development. He urged the government to take action, mentioning that the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) is also expected to be repealed. The higher education ministry is working on a new legislative framework to replace Auku. Hilman was initially charged on August 20 for a statement made on a TikTok account that could induce people to commit an offence against public order. The incident occurred on July 30, 2025, following a protest outside the Dang Wangi police headquarters, where Hilman criticized the arrest of party members.",
  "summary": "Bersatu Youth chief says the law should be repealed to ensure that Malaysia continues becoming a more developed country.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}